A Post-Brexit Transportation Scenario Analysis for an Agri-Fresh Produce Supply Chain

Abstract

The ever-increasing demand for fresh and healthy products initiated an urgency for effective planning for Agri-Fresh Produce Supply Chains (AFPSC). However, AFPSC faces many challenges, including product vulnerability to market disruption and limited shelf-life. In case of a no-deal Brexit (i.e., the UK leaving the EU without an agreement), trade between Ireland and the UK will most probably be subjected to customs control. In effect, transportation delays and products deterioration rates will increase. Based on interviews with an Irish AFPSC forwarder, a simulation model was developed to investigate different systems’ dynamics and operating rules under different delay patterns on the (yet non-existent) inner-Irish border. A cost analysis of varying border regimes favours a more thorough change in operations, e.g., route adjustments. This paper gives a first indication on how AFPSC forwarders in Ireland can deal with a no-deal Brexit situation.